Cal Crutchlow is setting his sights on a top ten finish in this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix after a return to points-scoring form in Indianapolis. The Briton endured a miserable summer which saw him score just four points in five races but capitalised on the sweltering conditions in America to finish 11th, while others struggled with worn tyres.
MotoGP now heads to Misano, a circuit Crutchlow is familiar with from his time on the World Superbike scene and the 25 year old is hoping his experience can help him take another step forward.
“After the positive result in Indianapolis I’m really looking forward to Misano now. The first objective in Indianapolis was to finish the race and learn more about the bike, and we accomplished that. That’s given my confidence a lift and it wasn’t only good for my morale but it was also good for the morale of the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team, who have supported me fantastically. Of course we want to be finishing higher, but I was happy with my pace in Indianapolis. I was lapping at the same pace that Dani Pedrosa did on his way to winning the race in 2010, but that shows just how fast the guys are going this year.”
“It is a challenge but one that I am up for and the target this weekend will be to try and get back into the top 10. At least I don’t have to worry about learning the track at Misano and that is a massive bonus before you even start. I just want to get another good result this weekend for all the hard work my crew have been putting in to make it work out for me. I’m sure we can build on last weekend’s result and have another strong ride in Misano.”
Monster Yamaha Tech 3 teammate Colin Edwards secured his best result with seventh at his second home race. The Texan rued a lack of power on the straights at Indianapolis but expects the team's hard work to compensate once again.since Assen
“Last weekend in Indianapolis was a tough race, so to take seventh was still a positive result. You always want more but I know the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team is getting the maximum out of the package we have. It was obvious in Indianapolis that we lack a bit of engine performance, but I still beat a lot of guys on factory equipment, so that proves what a good job we are doing. The goal this weekend will be the same as always and that’s to qualify on the second row and finish in the top six. We nearly managed both in Indy, so I’m determined to make sure it will be mission accomplished in Misano.”
“Misano was the first track I ever went to with the Yamaha World Superbike Team way back in 1995, so the circuit has always been a very special place to me with a lot of fond memories. I’ve spent a lot of time in that area around Riccione and the beach when I lived there with my family back in 2004, so Misano is always one of the races I’m most excited about going to. The fans are really passionate and they love MotoGP, so there is always a special buzz around the place.”
